For many industries, the Christmas-New Year period can be so quiet it makes sense to shut down operations. Here are 5 tips to help you manage your Christmas holiday shut down.
1. Check if you can direct staff to take annual leave
If you wish to close down between Christmas and the New Year, you can direct staff to take annual leave PROVIDING their award or registered agreement allows it.
Even if it is allowed, there may be restrictions such as a minimum notice period. If you are unsure, call the team from End2End.
2. Beware of agreements or awards that don’t mention shut downs
When the agreement or award doesn’t include rules about leave during shut downs, an employer cannot force an employee to take leave. However, you can try to reach an agreement.
Leave negotiations between employees and employers can become emotional. But the team from End2End are skilful negotiators who can help you obtain an amicable agreement with your staff. The time to start these conversations is now, so if you need help, get in touch.
3. Managing insufficient leave entitlements
If the award or agreement allows it, an employee can take annual leave in advance – even if they have insufficient leave accrued to cover the whole Christmas shut down period. Another option is taking unpaid leave for all or part of the shut down providing both the employer and employee agree.
4. Annual Leave vs Public Holiday
The Christmas-New Year holiday period includes several public holidays. If staff are on annual leave, they are entitled to their base pay rate for each public holiday. This time must NOT be taken off their annual leave entitlements.
5. Handling workers who refuse to take leave during a shut down
Every now and again, an employee will refuse to take annual leave and will insist on working during the shut down period. An employer cannot force a worker to take leave if there are no rules in the award or agreement so the employee must be paid at their usual base pay rate for the days they work.
Remember, there may be WHS regulations for staff working alone so let us help you remain compliant.
Help to manage holiday shut downs
Employment law is complicated with many organisations required to work across multiple awards and registered agreements. But you don’t need to do it alone. End2End Business Solutions is your outsourced HR department. They offer a range of packages and ad hoc services to guide you.
For help with managing the complexities of your shut down this Christmas holiday period, call End2End on 02 8977 4002.